San Carlos Casual & Contemporary

A European family of 4 interviewed INSTUDIO Design Directors Samuel Fleming Lewis & Stephen Kladder while still living in a small Eichler rental house weeks before they closed on their own spacious hilltop townhouse of their dreams in San Carlos. They made their rental home work for how they lived but wanted a personalized design for their own home. They choose to replace most of their furnishings and start fresh with design direction from INSTUDIO.

Shortly after the family had keys to their new home INSTUDIO developed architectural and furniture plans. An impression is made the moment you walk into the space. The spacious townhouse blended traditional and contemporary details. The grand foyer is full of light, steps down the Living Room revealed soaring cathedral ceilings and a 20 foot tall stacked stone fireplace.

The clients decided to keep the existing paint colors throughout the house. This phase of the design would concentrate on the common areas that the family shared daily.

The foyer became a gallery like transition space. Walking through the front door the first thing seen is a white Saarinen style table with vintage turquoise colored glass vases that captures the eye with their form and color. A console cabinet is where electronic devises are charged and a drop off point for mom’s fashionable handbags. Their collection of classical style framed portraits inspired subtle colors for a custom rug. The large abstract oil painting is a focal point whether going up or down stairs.

The living room was designed as a combination Great-room, Family Room, Living Room, and Entertainment Space. They choose a furniture plan that allows them (including the dog) to casually hang out together. A new 10 foot long sofa gives plenty of seating in front of the television. Dad selected a contemporary “easy” chair to read or work from his tablet. Two chairs near the fireplace allow for an ongoing game of chess. Colorful leather ottomans serve as seating or tables in the flexible open space.

New furnishings, lighting, textiles and art blend contemporary pieces with modern classics. Unexpected pairings, forms and colors ties the room together. The living rooms neutral color palette is given color as well as juxtaposition to the angles of the room with a custom rug made from Karastan: “Comfort Oasis” broad-loom carpet. Together the designers and the family devised the outline and size of the free form rug. With design direction from INSTUDIO the young family considers their house a happy home.